Signal Fire

The design challenge was to craft a landmark public artwork to begin the public art trail of the Northern Beaches Coast Walk. The projects aim was to highlight and celebrate the landscape and local heritage, while increasing the usability of the site, attracting both the local community and tourists, by day and by night. The installation of contemporary artwork was to enhance the overall character, design, and quality of visitor experiences of the Northern Beaches Coast Walk. Ultimately, it aspires to establish a distinctive and memorable identity, reflecting the unique essence of the Northern Beaches region.

The Northern Beaches Council called for a landmark beacon reflecting the local area, while the local Aboriginal community prioritized sensitivity to Country, integrating natural beauty and place-significant storytelling. The design journey navigated these two distinct perspectives while incorporating the challenge of extreme weather exposure on the headland. The solution emerged as a harmonious blend of culture and functional durability. Key milestones included community co-creation, concept refinement, and material selection. Roadblocks included balancing cultural authenticity with international design standards. Ultimately, the solution achieved a seamless integration with the landscape, embodying both cultural narratives and universal appeal.

’Signal Fire’ has revitalized Freshwater headland into an outdoor community hub, fostering cultural exchange and social cohesion. Serving as a platform for Aboriginal storytelling and truth-telling, it contributes to national healing. The surrounding areas have been regenerated with endemic plants by local Aboriginal company bush-to-bowl to honours Country the entire project providing interactive spaces for various activities, from whale watching, exercising, bird watching to ceremonies. Fabrication in Australia with all native, recycled, and local materials demonstrates environmental stewardship. This place-making project embodies a transformative blend of cultural, environmental, and societal impact, enriching the collective experience while preserving and honouring Country.

Storytelling is a cornerstone of this project. For millennia, Aboriginal communities along the east coast have used signal fires on headlands for communication. These fires, infused with knowledge, signalled messages and important events like births and deaths. They also served as warnings. Passed down through generations, this practice reflects a deep connection to the land, fostering bonds and preserving culture. ”Signal Fire” seamlessly blends storytelling, Community co-creation, Country-centred design, engineering precision, and architectural innovation. The ring frame, ingeniously engineered as an internal collar, suspends beams without any cross-bracing, creating a striking portal to engage with the clouds and stars above, highlighting Aboriginal signal fires’ connection to the sky. A custom-made removable scaffolding was fabricated to carefully balance and support the central ring, as each beam was strategically placed to counterbalance, showcasing meticulous engineering ingenuity. Community engagement shaped key design elements, including location, height, beam details, material selection, and Banksia story and graphic details. The project’s innovation extends beyond its physical form, embracing a holistic approach to regeneration and community engagement. It symbolises the beginning of a new journey, revitalising the site’s history and culture while celebrating the resilience and ingenuity of First Nations peoples.